We just need to be clear from the outset – Purson’s sophomore effort, “Desire’s Magic Theatre” is not a heavy metal record. However, what we must also be clear about is that this is a work that will appeal to lovers of classic rock and all those little ingredients that shaped our world in one way or another. What they have done is create a kaleidoscopic piece of art that will serve as a reminder and an education to serious rock music listeners of all ages. With Rosalie Cunningham firmly at the helm, this is an exploration into other worlds where boundaries simply don’t exist.
The launch pad is pure proto-metal. The title track kicks it all off with a crunchy, raw groove that feels unbridled and playful. That riff lazes heavily along underneath Cunningham’s super smooth, easy vocals. There are directional changes galore as sweet Beatles flourishes are generously dolloped with Jethro Tull progression, flute and all. This is bombastic, multi layered and a fitting entrée that grabs your attention. With a slightly twisted reference to Jimi Hendrix’s masterpiece, “Electric Landlady” leans on the “Foxy Lady” riff and travels further, exploring the great man’s jazzier moments while allowing enough T Rex glam to pop it all up. The vocals ooze sultry, silky sensuality over layers of instruments that swirl around your head.
“Dead Dodo Down” takes away that harder edge and from here it’s like an Alice In Wonderland journey. The liberated sounds of the West Coast flower power era are re-explored with the refreshing aura of a young band seemingly unhindered and free to display a high level of musical and lyrical maturity. Black Sabbath’s melancholy “Planet Caravan” comes to mind on “The Sky Parade” with gentle acoustic guitar guiding the listener along. There is a very personal feel to the album that gives the impression of Cunningham’s own musical journey with a sense of purpose all the way through.
The overall impression is of a young band’s attempt at a “Sgt Peppers” moment. Purson have taken away a sense of expectation and monotony. The variety of instruments and their application leans on this influence as they draw more and more little mind journeys in. While it’s possible to name check a shopping list of influences, this is such a cleverly crafted melange. Through it all, they touch on hard rock, psychedelia, glam, jazz and prog. “The Bitter Suite” closes the main journey before the final bonus tracks. With rich piano and strings, the mood is heavier but there’s always that quirky, theatrical twist that keeps it all fresh.
The classic rock era reference points are there for the taking. Purson have done it so well on this album and it feels uniquely British. “Desire’s Magic Theatre” is full of snapshots of timeless legacies that have been reimagined and welded into something fresh and simply exhilarating. The best thing of all is the pure escapism. Simply picking up the album and absorbing the artwork is enough to make you want to give it a spin. This will be one of the highlights of 2016.
(9/10 Johnny Zed)
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